Sneak Preview

The rhythm of the frothy surf unrolling on sparkling white sand as the waters change colours from brilliant blues to darker blues with highlights of orange as the sun recedes from view…. just another day in St. Lucia . Most of its sun kissed silvery beaches washed by pure white surf, are isolated thus making them ideal getaways. Unlike its Caribbean neighbours, St. Lucia is less attuned to tourism, which in itself is a major tourist attraction.

With more natives around than tourists you can enjoy and relish the quaint Caribbean charm and the warm hospitality offered by the people of St. Lucia. Beach bums can rarely drag themselves away from the white sands, but besides beaches and blue waters, there’s a lot to explore on the island.

A treasure trove of natural reserves with some rare species inhabiting the island, St. Lucia offers some excellent opportunities for quiet walks interrupted only by the chirpings of a bird or two. In the interiors of the Island, you can spot a variety of birds and wildlife in the lush rainforest. The numerous waterfalls provide soothing background music.

St. Lucia’s history is spiced with tales of pirates and heroes who made the Island their home and battleground. Archaeological research on the Island has lead to the discovery of Amerindian artifacts so there are plenty of sights that have a past. Loud music blares invitingly on the streets. Never mind if you don’t know the host, St. Lucia’s parties are for everyone.

Ever seen the Kouwes Snake and the Zandoli Ground Lizard? Sure you have not. These are the rarest species of St. Lucia found nowhere else in the world. So don’t miss the opportunity to ogle at these species when in St. Lucia.

Historically Speaking

The discovery and christening of Saint Lucia remains a mystery though the island first appeared on the world map in 1520. The original inhabitants of the island are thought to be an Amerindian tribe who were driven out by the Caribs. The English tried to settle on the island but faced severe opposition from the Caribs.

In 1642, France claimed the island and retained their control even though the Caribs opposed the French. The next twenty years witnessed a renewal of interest by the British. It was not till 1814 that the British finally gained control over the island. By that time the island had changed hands 14 times.

In 1838, St. Lucia was included in the Windward Islands Government. Universal Adult franchise was introduced in 1951 and in 1958 it joined the West Indies Federation. But the withdrawal of Jamaica from the Federation changed the political scenario.

In 1967, St. Lucia was granted full internal self-government and in 1979 the island gained full independence.

Habitat

Majestic mountains, warm blue waters, spectacular shorelines – that is the topography of St. Lucia in a nutshell. This is perhaps the only place in the world where you can (almost) drive into a volcano. The southwest is very mountainous – the highest mountain peak (Mount Gimie 3118 ft) is in this area. The terrain here is pockmarked with pools of boiling water – there are sulphur springs near the town Soufriere. The west coast is punctuated by steep cliffs and by flat valleys in some places. The terrain in the south is flat while the area in the north is slightly raised.

The island has lost most of its original cover – lush rainforests. Colonization and large scale deforestation has resulted in the current situation. Tropical tress and a variety of flowering plants form the vegetation of the island.

You’ll see a variety of snakes, lizards and several other endemic species. Most of the wildlife was introduced from South or Central America. There are a number of birds scoring but the prettiest is the St. Lucia parrot – a colourful bird that can be spotted in the dense rainforests around Quillesse and Barre de l’Isle.